And following a split-decision victory over slugger Paul Daley, it could be an eye-opening one for the rest of Strikeforce’s 170-pound fighters.

The fight was part of the main card of “Strikeforce: Tate vs. Rousey” at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It aired on Showime following prelims on Showtime Extreme.

While declared a split decision – and though Daley was clearly angered by the verdict – Misaski was fairly dominant throughout.

Misaski used some effective clinch work early in the fight. He landed punches when close and delivered knees on the break. Daley swung back, but Maski slowed him with a big right and then unloaded some additional punches as Daley was put against the cage. Ultimately, the British slugger surprisingly secured a takedown to slow Misaki’s advances.

Misaki again used a well-balanced striking attack to open the second round, and his jab proved especially effective. Midway through the round, Daley again scored a takedown. However, while trying to take Misaski’s back, he was swept, and the Japanese fighter worked from the top and delivered some ground and pound in the final minute of the round.

Daley opened up a bit in the final round, and after ducking under a punch, he again scored a double-leg takedown. A few of Daley’s elbows got through, and Misaki suffered a deep and bloody gash above his left eye. Once the doctor cleared him to continue, Misaki stalked after Daley with haymakers and looping punches to the body. Despite his best counter-punching efforts, Daley couldn’t capitalize on the gushing wound and either circled away or shot for takedowns for the remainder of the fight.

In the end, Misaki took the victory via 30-27, 28-29 an 29-28 scores.

“I would have rather finished this fight with a knockout or submission,” said Misaki, who dedicated the win to the victims of Japan’s 2011 earthquake disaster.

Misaki (25-11-2 MMA, 2-0 SF), fighting in Strikeforce for the first time in two-and-a-half years, now has won three straight. Daley (29-12-2 MMA, 1-3 SF), meanwhile, moves to 2-3 in his past five fights and suffers his third consecutive Strikeforce loss.

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.